The James River Association (JRA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the James River and connecting people to it. We are excited to announce an opening for an Event Space Coordinator.

In this role, you will provide administrative support for scheduling and coordinating events throughout at the James A. Buzzard River Education Center in Richmond, Virginia. Specifically, you will oversee the scheduling, planning, and execution of event rentals and JRA community events. Key responsibilities include managing an event planning database, handling logistics, fostering relationships with partners, and ensuring all events align with JRA’s mission and strategic objectives.

 Responsibilities: 

• Oversee all aspects of event rentals, including handling inquiries, processing bookings, managing contracts, and providing on-site support for the James A. Buzzard River Education Center
• Utilization of the EventPro platform to manage event planning and execution, collaborating with internal teams and external partners to ensure seamless coordination.
• Act as the primary liaison for partners and stakeholders interested in hosting events at JRA sites, delivering exceptional customer service throughout the process.
• Ensure all events comply with safety, accessibility, and environmental standards to align with JRA’s mission and values.
• Monitor and report on event metrics, manage budgets, and gather feedback to identify opportunities for improvement and enhance future events.

Qualifications: 

• Demonstrated passion for event coordination and engaging diverse audiences, particularly in outdoor and community-based settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a professional and approachable demeanor.
• Experience in managing logistics, timelines, and partnerships preferably within a nonprofit environment.
• Proficient in maintaining and using event management databases to support planning and reporting.
• Skilled in fostering relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and attendees to ensure successful event outcomes.
• Committed to promoting a positive team culture and integrating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) principles into daily responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to connect and communicate effectively with varied audiences.
• Flexibility to travel across the James River Watershed to support events and engagements as needed.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, or equivalent experience
• 1-2 years of experience in event planning.
• Proven ability to contribute to revenue growth through outstanding administrative support and effective coordination.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a professional demeanor.
• High standards for quality and attention to detail.
• Experience in office administration.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience with event planning systems, particularly EventPro
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and event and data management software.
• Proven success in coordinating and executing events, with strong writing and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to follow through on commitments, coupled with effective public speaking skills to engage and inform diverse audiences.
• Commitment to fostering positive relationships with community partners, event participants, and supporters, ensuring their recognition and engagement in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrates initiative, adaptability, and a self-directed work ethic in alignment with JRA’s mission, vision, and values.
• Willingness to travel throughout the James River Watershed for event coordination, meetings, and site visits, with a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Competitive Salary & Benefits Package
Professional development and growth opportunities. Work-life balance and dynamic, hybrid/flexible work environment. The non-exempt part-time hourly range is $20.00-$25.00 hourly, depending upon several factors including education and work experience.

APPLY by sending your resume and cover letter to talent@thejamesriver.org. This position will remain open until filled. 

 Education Program Coordinator – Petersburg

Location: Richmond Office
Telework: Hybrid
Experience:  Mid-level
Number of Openings: 1
Job Status: Full Time
Salary Range: $42,000 – $52,000
Reports to: Regional Education Manager

The James River Association(JRA) is a non-profit organization on a mission to protect the James River and connect people to it. JRA is excited to announce an opening for an Education Program Coordinator. In this role, you’ll focus on delivering engaging, high-quality environmental education programs while coordinating and leading the logistical and operational components of these experiences. Acting as a program lead for trips and programs, this position collaborates closely with the Regional Education Manager, team members, and external partners to ensure smooth, impactful programming. The Education Program Coordinator will serve as a key contact for program communications, safety preparation, and equipment management, contributing to the James River Association’s mission of protecting and enhancing the James River.

We’re looking for someone with passion for education with leadership skills and a commitment to fostering meaningful environmental stewardship. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a passion for environmental education and curriculum development, and a personal interest in the James River.

Responsibilities: 

• Program Delivery – Deliver dynamic environmental education experiences for school-age children, ensuring inclusivity for participants of all ages and backgrounds. Facilitate professional learning for educators that connects them with the natural and cultural resources of the James River. Lead multi-day trips, including overnight experiences, ensuring program safety and excellence.
• Program Coordination and Leadership – Serve as the main point of contact during trips to ensure smooth execution and address challenges. Brief seasonal educators on schedules and content, ensuring clarity and readiness. Collaborate with the Education Manager to align programs with organizational goals and lead team debriefs for feedback and improvement.
• Operations, Maintenance, and Safety Preparation – Oversee the daily maintenance and organization of education centers, including managing educational resources. Ensure the readiness of boats, canoes, vehicles, and equipment, coordinating seasonal openings and inspections with the Director of Operations. Lead safety preparations and ensure compliance with safety standards for all activities.
• Community Engagement – Represent the organization at community events to build awareness and foster engagement. Build positive relationships with partners, parents, and participants to enhance the impact of the program. 
• Administrative Duties – Log trip details and maintain accurate records for documentation. Support the Education Program Manager with communications related to JRLE and provide feedback on curriculum effectiveness to improve participant engagement.

Qualifications: 

• Passion for environmental education and a commitment to the mission and values of the James River Association.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform physical tasks related to program setup and breakdown, including ability to lift equipment ranging from 40-50 pounds
• Demonstrated leadership in coordinating educational programs and managing teams.
• Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills 
• Strong group management, communication and interpersonal skill and experience working effectively with diverse audiences of youth and educators.
• Detail-oriented and organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Science Education, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in environmental education, outdoor education, or a similar role.
• Must be available for flexible scheduling, including occasional weekends, evenings, and overnight trips. 
• Ability to travel to various locations within the assigned region as needed to support programmatic requirements and seasonal demands, sometimes on short notice. 
• Travel within the James River watershed may be occasionally required for meetings and training.
• Ability to operate JRA vehicles and obtain a valid state issued driver’s license

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Comfort with kayaking and canoeing, including basic paddling skills, safety practices and gear management and maintenance.
• Strong working knowledge of best practices in providing environmental education experience for school-aged students.
• Familiarity with field science tools and equipment, such as water quality testing kits, sampling gear, and data collection instruments.
• Boating safety certification and/or willingness to obtain required certifications, such as CPR, First Aid, Wilderness First Responder/Wilderness First Aid, etc.

Competitive Salary & Benefits Package includes fully paid employee-only health and dental coverage, Life and LTD insurance, generous paid time off (starting at four weeks/year), twelve paid holidays, and 401(k) matched contributions! Professional development and growth opportunities. Work-life balance and dynamic, hybrid/flexible work environment. The exempt salary range for this full-time position is $42,000 – $52,000 annually, depending upon several factors including education and work experience.